You’re already using your iPad and iPhone to expand your NFL experience and take better pictures, but what about using your iDevice as a smarter way to keep your home safe? It’s one thing to protect your house when you are physically present, but how can you maintain that peace of mind when you’re away at the office or traveling somewhere? The good news is that there are several home security apps for the iPad and iPhone that can provide surveillance and provide you with that kind of remote control.

Foscam Surveillance Pro

Yes, this is the only paid offering in this list of iOS home security apps, but it’s still very much worth mentioning. The app is meant to work in tandem with compatible Foscam IP cameras that you have set up in your home. After it’s all set up, you can listen to the audio stream from your camera, control the camera in all 8 directions, and even switch between cameras with a swipe of a finger. In fact, there’s support here for up to 144 cameras with a mosaic view to watch up to 6 video feeds simultaneously. There are controls to adjust the brightness and contrast too.

Seedonk Webcam Viewer

While the Seedonk iPhone app works best when paired with compatible IP cameras like the Compro IP540, you can also use it with a webcam on any Internet-connected computer. This iOS app may take on the appearance of an instant messenger, but it’s fully capable of being an app for home surveillance as well. You control your own set of cameras (including pan, tilt, and zoom) and you can add the cameras shared by your friends too. This way, you can all look out for one another.

Nexia Home Intelligence by Schlage Lock Company

Traditional door locks use traditional keys. Then, you have those door locks with numeric codes. More recently, we’ve seen several “smart” door locks that you can control with a mobile device, even remotely unlocking your door for your visiting friends when you can’t be home to let them in. And that’s exactly what you have here. The Nexia app works with Schlange home keypad locks, as well as certain proudcts from companies like Trane. If you have the right products in place, this app can also be used to set temporary codes, stream and record real-time video feeds, and control your home’s heating and cooling systems.

XFINITY Home Security by Comcast

Many home surveillance companies offer accompanying home security apps for the iPad, iPhone, and other mobile platforms. One such example is the XFINITY home security system from Comcast. When you use this app, you can get real-time monitoring of your system, as well as active control to arm and disarm, control your lighting and thermostat, and get a live video feed from your in-home cameras. You can also get event-triggered video clips and pictures.

ADT Pulse Home Security App for iPad and iPhone

If you subscribe to ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions, then you’ll want to get the iPad and iPhone app that goes with it. Just like the XFINITY app, you can use this one to remotely arm and disarm your home’s security system. The floor plan view is great for seeing what is and isn’t being activated. Also, you can control and monitor your thermostats and lights, as well as watch a live video feed using any compatible security cameras you may have installed with ADT.

VideoReplay App by AlarmForce

One of the big features that AlarmForce emphasizes in its commercials is the live two-way voice. This VideoRelay app is one way to utilize that feature. You can not only monitor the real-time video, but you can communicate back using the two-way voice audio. This is useful for communicating with delivery people, for example, if you have the camera set up at your front door. AlarmForce VideoRelay can work with or without an accompanying home alarm system.

A freelance writer and professional blogger based out of Vancouver, Canada, Michael Kwan focuses primarily in the areas of consumer electronics, entrepreneurship, and personal development. He blogs six times a week at Beyond the Rhetoric. Follow him on Twitter: @michaelkwan